HOCKEY: Barnes scores eight as Bassett run riot

WOOTTON Bassett’s dominance of Davis Wood Hockey League East Central One continued at the weekend as the leaders beat City of Bath 12-1.

Bath sat second in the table going into the clash but Bassett, who have romped the division this season, were far too good for their guests and made a mockery of their 100 per cent away record.

The home side secured their 16th victory out of 16 this term despite losing their regular goalkeeper to illness and being without captain Kristian Mansfield, who was stranded in Bristol, in the build-up.

Forward Matt Daniell stepped in between the posts and Mansfield arrived five minutes before the start as Bassett seemed to be in chaos as the game began.

However, it didn’t take long for the hosts’ forward line to take the game by the scruff of the neck and Kyle Barnes scored a five-minute hat-trick to put the tie beyond doubt in double-quick time. Barnes added another two before the break and then scored three more in the second period, while Mark Turner also netted a second-half hat-trick and Jack Twine got in on the act from a penalty corner to complete the rout.

The only minor blot for Bassett was Bath’s consolation late on, which put paid to any hopes of a sixth consecutive clean sheet.

The win leaves Bassett 10 points clear at the top of the table with six games left to play.

Elsewhere, Bassett B beat Devizes A 4-0 thanks to a brace from Nick Thompson and a goal each for Milind Thapa and Grant Kirkup. Goalkeeper Paul Warren saved a penalty shot, earning himself joint man of the match along with Kirkup.